• Protectionist policy imposes certain restrictions on international trade in the interests of the domestic economy.
  • Protectionist policies are generally aimed at improving economic activity, but can also be the result of safety or quality concerns.
  • The value of protectionism is a matter of debate among economists and politicians.
  • Tariffs, import quotas, product standards and subsidies are some of the main policy tools that a government can use to pursue protectionist policies.